Silver Plume Mountain via South Slopes (5.2)

July 9, 2014Partner: Derek WolfeApproach: Exit into the small town of Silver Plume, and then continue west on the frontage road. Just after 2 miles, turn right onto a small dirt road that immediately crosses I-70 via a small bridge and park at a small cul-de-sac. Route:From the car, work your way uphill to the north following the path of least resistance. There is a small trail that is marked on the topo, but it comes and goes and cannot be relied on to lead the way. Eventually the terrain eases and a nice romp across the tundra leads to the infamous summit boulder. Many climb this short block by standing on a log from one of the nearby mines, but the purists out there can find a nice hidden hold on the summit to make a 5.2 mantel onto the top. Enjoy the USGS marker that sits on the true summit.

Gear: Good pair of shoes. Zero technical gear is needed.

Thoughts: This was a fun outing and an easy way to check off a 5th class summit. The initial slopes were steep and loose in places, but this made the descent a breeze. Don't worry about the summit block as cheating to the top (i.e. log ladder) is easy to do, but the climbing itself is also not bad at all. I did find the proximity to I-70 a bit of a distraction at the start, but the summit slopes provide such wonderful views of the surrounding 13ers and 14ers that it was worth it. I was thankful that Derek knew all the surrounded peaks to answer all my questions.